Service aisles are those that permit access to stacksfor inventory, inspection, or protective processing.These type of aisle requirements are normally verylimited. It is not needed for warehouses that store bulkitems in rows with the same number of containers ineach pallet.Similar items stored in rows facilitateinventory as well as issue and make service aislesunnecessary.STORAGE TECHNIQUESProper storage techniques used to store, identify,and retrieve materials will facilitate the efficiency of theoperation. These storage techniques are the popularityand similarity methods.The popularity storage technique involves theactivity pattern of the material. This is used by storingthe items with high activity level (fast movers) closestto the storage and retrieval functions. The purpose forusing this technique is to minimize travel time bylocating the items as close as possible to the processinglocations. Ibis method of storage is considered the bestsince it allows quick access to high demand items. Seefigure 2-4 for an illustration of the popularity storagemethod.The similarity storage technique uses the physicalcharacteristics of the material to classify the items. Thetwo most common methods used in classifying theitems are by the type of packaging and stackability ofmaterial. The basic principle of similarity storage isthat like items should be stored together. his techniqueis commonly used for storing rubber tires, bales of rags,electronic equipment, paints, and soon.SUPPORT AREASThe support areas are the nonstorage parts of thewarehouse that are used to support various operations.These areas include office spaces, shipping andreceiving, battery charging spaces, preservation,packing, and crating.Office SpacesThe office areas include spaces for the supervisor,secretary, foreman, and clerks that are directly associ-ated with warehouse operations. General administra-tive offices are not classified as warehouse supportareas. The office area should accommodate one or twopeople and provide one desk and two chairs per indiv-idual. Space should also be provided for filing cabinets,tables, or electronic equipment such as computers.Figure 2-4.Popularity storage method.2-6